In the heart of Dubai’s dynamic arts scene, Grand Dance Academy has quickly risen as a symbol of elegance, excellence, and passion for dance. Behind its success are Yurii and Anastasia Kurilenko—a powerhouse couple whose love story and lifelong dedication to dance have transformed a dream into one of the city’s most prestigious cultural institutions.
Chic Icon sat down with the founders to explore their inspiring journey, the vision behind the academy, and their impact on the region’s dance culture.
Let’s begin with your personal journey. What inspired you to create Grand Dance Academy?
Yurii Kurilenko: Dance has shaped my life since childhood. I became a national and international ballroom champion, ranked top 10 globally, and toured over 20 countries as a soloist with MSC cruises. After choreographing major shows in the UAE, I returned home to the Sevastopol Academic Dance Theater—where I met Anastasia.
Anastasia Kurilenko: I had spent over 20 years there as a soloist. My roots are in the “Victoria” ensemble, and I’m proud to be a Vice World Champion in Oriental dance, an honored artist of Ukraine and Crimea, and a teacher whose method has trained over 1,000 dancers worldwide.
Yurii Kurilenko: We married in 2021, and a month later moved to Dubai—with six suitcases of costumes and one vision: to build a world-class dance academy. And here we are.
What was your original vision for Grand Dance Academy, and how did it evolve into reality?
Anastasia Kurilenko: From the start, we both dreamed of teaching in Dubai. For Yurii, it was ballroom; for me, Oriental dance. I began with private belly dance classes and group sessions at a modeling school. Yurii created our first ballroom ensemble, “Ballroom Dance Dubai,” building a website, promoting it across social media, and gradually finding our first students.
Soon, he founded our first school in Dubai, and we both began teaching there, laying the groundwork for something larger. At that time, even a small children’s group competing internationally was revolutionary. We prepared Dubai’s first amateur kids to enter real ballroom competitions—instead of just Pro-Am shows, where the child dances with their teacher.
Our students were the first in Dubai to participate in two international competitions as solo and couple competitors. By June 2023, we hosted our first kids’ ballroom show, celebrating the anniversary of “Ballroom Dance Dubai.” It was a turning point. The joy on the kids’ faces, the enthusiasm of their families—it was clear we were building something meaningful.
Just one month later, the parents of our students approached us with an offer to back something much bigger. With their support, we made the leap to realize our ultimate dream: Grand Dance Academy.
As official representatives of the World Dance Organization in the UAE, what’s your perspective on competitive dance in the region?
Yurii Kurilenko: The potential here is enormous. With our background as international adjudicators and event organizers, we saw an opportunity to grow a true dance ecosystem in the Gulf.
I serve as Chairman of the WDO in the UAE, and Anastasia is a certified international adjudicator. In 2024, we launched the WDO “Middle East Championship,” a brand-new event that drew dancers from across the globe to Dubai. We’re proud that our initiative brought more visibility to the region.
We’re also diversifying—we’ve added Argentine tango, social Latin, and other genres to our upcoming events. This October, the “Grand Cup Dubai” will host the Junior Solo WDO World Championship in ten ballroom dances, alongside other stylistic competitions. It’s a true celebration of global dance culture.
Your academy is known for its exceptional teaching staff. What’s your philosophy when building a team?
Anastasia Kurilenko: Talent is only part of the equation. We prioritize experience, educational background, and a genuine love for teaching. All our instructors have over a decade of experience. Some, like myself, have been teaching for over twenty years.
Our staff includes professional performers and choreographers with international theater experience. We don’t just teach dance—we live it. This allows us to create unforgettable academy concerts, performances, and events that combine education with artistry.
Tell us about the academy’s facilities. How do they enhance the student experience?
Anastasia Kurilenko: The academy is a reflection of our values—Yurii personally oversaw the architectural planning and every step of construction. We have two full floors dedicated to dance.
The first floor features the Grand Ballroom: a spacious mirrored studio lit by chandeliers, equipped with a professional sound system, and ample space for spectators. We also have a White Mirror Studio for private and group lessons, comfortable changing rooms with showers, and an in-house dance shop.
Upstairs, we created a café-style lounge adorned with a photo gallery of world-renowned dancers who’ve led workshops with us. It’s a space for parents and guests to relax, and for students to feel inspired. Nearby, a VIP viewing area allows guests to enjoy performances in style. We also designed two more themed dance halls: a classical studio with barres, and a neon-lit space for street styles.
It’s more than a school—it’s a creative sanctuary.
How has Dubai’s dance scene evolved, and what role does Grand Dance Academy play in that transformation?
Yurii Kurilenko: Over the past 10 to 15 years, Dubai has seen a surge in dance studios. But during the pandemic, many faced setbacks. Post-COVID, we noticed a rebirth—but many schools still focus on niche areas: ballet, Pro-Am ballroom, bellydance, tango, or street styles.
What we offer is different. Grand Dance Academy is a multi-style institution with a professional performance space. We host concerts, invite world-class instructors, and provide students with real stage experience.
We were the first to organize international ballroom competitions for kids in Dubai. That alone has helped reshape public interest in ballroom dancing across the UAE. Today, we’re a recognized name in the community—cultivating dancers, hosting major events, and raising the standard.
What kinds of students do you attract, and how do you personalize their learning?
Yurii Kurilenko: We welcome everyone—from complete beginners to seasoned professionals. Thanks to our collective experience, we can create custom programs for any goal: competitive training, artistic performance, wedding choreography, or simply dancing for joy.
We offer both private and group classes, spanning ballroom, Oriental dance, tango, street styles, and more. Whatever a student’s goal, we’ll help them find the most fulfilling path to reach it.
What are you most proud of, and what’s on the horizon for Grand Dance Academy?
Anastasia Kurilenko: It’s been a short time, but already we’ve become the top ballroom academy for kids in the UAE. Our students have triumphed in international competitions like the WDO Middle East Championship and Grand Cup Dubai—both organized under Yuri’s leadership.
We’re members of UNESCO’s International Dance Council and official representatives of the World Dance Organization. Grand Dance Academy is also home to two major cultural festivals: “Miss Oriental Star Dubai” and the women-only “Grand Hafla.” These events celebrate the vibrant heritage of Oriental dance and Khaleeji culture, uniting dancers from across the globe.
In addition, we’ve established a professional Argentine tango program in collaboration with global masters. We host Dubai’s largest milonga—“Milonga Grand”—which brings tango enthusiasts together in a beautiful social setting.
Our future? We aim to continue expanding, popularizing diverse dance forms, organizing international events, and preparing Dubai’s dancers for the global stage. We want to represent not just the UAE, but the very best of the art of dance.
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